| New Kidd On The Block Authored by Elliot Cole - February 19, 2008 - 4:38 pm
Well, that was an ordeal.
The trade of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks for, effectively, Devin Harris, DeSagana Diop, cash and draft picks is finally official, after a grueling week of rumors, stubborn contract squabbles, and a volatile combination of loose lips and media interference (thanks, Jerry).
But the dust has settled, and Mark Cuban got his man. He’s been heavily criticized by writers for giving up a future on-the-cusp All-Star (Harris) for a guy that will be 35 in a month. The Mavericks’ front office will likewise be maligned for giving up quality assets to snag a player that is shooting a career-low 36.6% from the field.
But for the Dallas Mavericks, the time to win is now. Not tomorrow, not next year, but right now. The Mavs core has run the risk of going stale, similar to the waning chemistry of the Phoenix Suns. GMs can only give a roster a given window to succeed before pulling the plug, and it became apparent that the Mavericks needed a heart transplant. It wouldn’t be lack of talent holding this team back, but a lack of guts, as displayed by their epic collapses against the Heat and Warriors in the last two playoffs.
Evaluating the Mavericks, it’s easy to see how Kidd will help them on the court, and it isn’t a by-the-numbers affair. Coach Avery Johnson no longer has to be the point guard of the team (in a well-documented blow, Johnson removed Harris’s play calling duties in the middle of the season). Kidd is also the master of pushing the ball and will easily provide open jumpers for the likes of Jason Terry or Dirk Nowitzki.
A rejuvenated Kidd will also be the unquestioned leader of the group, as he was on this summer’s USA squad in Vegas. Even amongst stars Kidd earns respect, and that won’t change in Dallas. Dirk, to nobody’s amazement, will probably be glad to have his leadership duties reduced. Analysts praise Kidd’s mental toughness and veteran savvy, probably his most significant intangibles he brings to big D. The Nets were stronger defensively when he was on the bench (about a one point difference per 100 possessions), but the team’s field goal percentage, points scored, and rebounding numbers all expectedly improved while he was on the court..
Still, the trade is a risk. Harris isn’t a floor leader, but he was a pesky defender capable of giving speedy guards like Allen Iverson, Chris Paul, and Tony Parker headaches. While his defense is celebrated, his offensive numbers may surprise. Per 48 minutes, the Mavericks scored 8.8 more points a game with Harris on the floor (a team high, compared to 1.9 points for Kidd and the Nets). Dallas also had a 69.2% winning percentage over 48 minutes with Harris on the court, also a team high. Simply put, the Mavs play better when Harris is out there. They score more, averaging 105 points per every 48 minutes that Harris plays, while giving up only 96.2, impressive considering that he pushes the tempo.
The loss of Diop hurts the team as well. The Mavs are looking to get another big before Thursday’s trade deadline, and the assumption is that they will. Kenyon Martin’s name has floated around on the rumor mill. As for now, an injury-prone Dampier is the only true center on the roster, left to go toe-to-toe with Western bigs like Duncan, Shaq, Amare, Yao, Gasol or Bynum. Dallas will also miss Diop’s shotblocking abilities; he averages a more than respectable 3.38 blocks a game per 48. The Mavericks will give minutes to the unproven Brandon Bass in his stead. Bass, more of an offensive threat, doesn’t have the length or build of Diop and is a major gamble at the center position. When Bass is on the floor, the Mavericks give up 96.9 points per 48 minutes, a point and half above their defensive average.
While Harris and Diop will set Dallas back defensively, the trade will make them more creative offensively. The Mavericks had become overly accustomed to isolation plays, leading to a paltry 19.9 assists a game. Kidd will reward players and create more “easy baskets” for the team, counteracting some of what they lose defensively. Teams will, however, be very inclined to sag off of Kidd at the three point line, encouraging him to take long jumpers rather than penetrate.
When the playoffs roll around, it will become apparent that Kidd has unquestionably improved this team. Dallas has given itself a 2 year window towards a championship, and a better opportunity than they previously had. While established mainstays like the Spurs won’t overhaul their rosters, Dallas didn’t have a choice. Their interpersonal confidence, trust, and respect on their roster weren’t at the levels needed to win a ‘chip, and it was becoming more and more apparent with each successive loss in the wild, wild West. Kidd changes all of that, but, as many pundits are asking, at what cost?
Elliot Cole can be reached at elliot.cole@yahoo.com |
